Author Archives: Church Mouse

Bishop Terence Brady visiting St Vincent’s

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The Church Mouse has been in a state of hibernation since last October, largely as a consequence of recognising the need to remain silent and give the parish priest and the community space to build a meaningful relationship.

Since Hope for St Vincent’s was posted, Fr Melvin and the community have continued to reach out to each other. Melvin actively interacts with the community, engages in conversation, joins in with and supports various of its activities; he has even been seen sharing a cup of coffee up the road with a few stalwarts after Sunday Mass. The community encourages … Continue reading →

Pope’s latest ruling for Neocats

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Two articles on B16’s recent ruling on The Way:

Pope says neocatechumenal celebrations must lead members to parish Mass

Carol Glatz Catholic News Service

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — As the Vatican approved the Neocatechumenal Way’s unique rite, Pope Benedict XVI underlined that its celebrations were not "strictly liturgical" and that their aim must be to encourage members to partake fully in the liturgical life of the parish.

The pope encouraged the movement’s members to continue "to offer your original contribution to the cause of the Gospel," and he urged them to always make sure … Continue reading →

The problem with Takamatsu diocese

By | | Japan
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Small differences, then lack of direction and unity threatened true mission of the Church

ucanews.com, Japan

It has been half a year since I stepped down from my post as diocesan bishop of Takamatsu diocese. Now, as I look back on the circumstances I encountered in that role, I have decided it best to write a few words for the sake of the future.

First off, it is fair to say that there was something decidedly unusual in my reassignment to Takamatsu diocese, which came despite my being active bishop of Sendai at the time. That would never happen … Continue reading →

Vatican Diary / The Neocatechumenals get their diploma. But not the one they were expecting

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The Holy See has approved the rites that mark the stages of their catechism. But the particularities with which they celebrate their Masses still remain under observation. Some of them are permitted. Others not.

VATICAN CITY, January 23, 2012 – Before the audience with Benedict XVI three days ago, the rumor within the Neocatechumenal Way was that this occasion would bring the definitive approval of all the “liturgies” of the ecclesial movement founded by Francisco “Kiko” Argüello and Carmen Hernández:

> “Placet” or “Non placet”? The wager of Carmen … Continue reading →

“Placet” or “Non placet”? The wager of Carmen and Kiko

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The founders of the Neocatechumenal Way aim to obtain definitive Vatican approval for their “convivial” way of celebrating the Mass. The document is ready. But it could be modified or blocked in extremis. The verdict on January 20.

ROME, January 13, 2012 – As on other occasions in the past, this January as well, on Friday the 20th, Benedict XVI will meet in the audience hall of the Vatican with thousands of members of the Neocatechumenal Way, with their founders and leaders, the Spaniards Francisco “Kiko” Argüello and Carmen Hernández.

One year … Continue reading →

Hope for St Vincent’s?

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For eight years the job definition for parish priest of St Vincent’s Redfern could well have included essentials such as:

  • Drive away Ted Kennedy’s supporters;
  • Drive away the Aborigines; deny that they come to this church;
  • Don’t engage with non-Neocat parishioners; don’t listen to them; don’t talk to them if it can be avoided; Keep them in the dark regarding parish matters;
  • Ignore and/or deny their reasonable requests;
  • Tell them they aren’t Catholics; that they are not welcome in this church; attack them from the pulpit;
  • Keep looking at the time when in their presence; rush out of … Continue reading →

Farewell Griffo

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Griffo (Garry Griffiths) died after a long illness on 5 October 2011 in Kempsey.

His life was celebrated at St Vincent’s, and then at the Redfern Community Centre at The Block, last Wednesday. (Photos)

Griffo was a great friend of the community and of Ted Kennedy. (see Griffo’s tribute to Fr Ted, and Griffo’s grief ).

The emu and goanna on the church mural are a part of his legacy (see The great St Vincent’s break-in).

New PP?

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It appears that St Vincent’s new parish priest is to be Fr Melvin Llabanes. At least, according to the Archdiocese of Perth website he is "on Placement in Redfern, NSW".

Originally from the Philippines, Llabanes entered the Perth Redemptorist Mater Seminary in 1993 (at the same time as Joseph Pelle), and was ordained to the Presbyterate in Perth in June 2000. (Reference: http://www.redemptorismaterperth.org.au)

He has more recently spent a number of years in Finland, where " … there are only 12 Catholic priests counting the Bishop in all Finland. Last Year the first ever Catholic seminary opened … Continue reading →

Peter Kearney Concert

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Ted Kennedy – Australian Prophet

Peter sings songs of justice & compassion inspired by Ted Kennedy and a forty year friendship.

Peter first met Ted Kennedy in 1966 and was encouraged by him to write his first folkhymns including ‘Fill My House’ and ‘The Beatitudes’. He later wrote many songs of justice and reconciliation inspired by Ted’s ministry and a friendship of over forty years.

Since 1982, Peter has made music his full time work, singing his songs through Australia and overseas. Fifteen CDs … Continue reading →

Kathmandu Bishop bars Neocat activities

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Bishop bars Neo-cat activities

Kathmandu, Nepal – 8 August 2011

Bishop Anthony Sharma has suspended the activities of the Neo-catechumenate Way church group in Kathmandu, seven years after the organization, which is dedicated to the Christian formation of adults, first came to Nepal.

According to Church authorities the Catholic group, which started in Madrid in 1964, was never formally invited to Nepal, but “came by themselves.”

A short announcement on the notice board of Kathmandu’s Assumption Church said the suspension came into effect on August 1.

Several Neo-catechumenate members, who are also parishioners of Assumption Church, said yesterday … Continue reading →